Coming off from a heartbreaking loss, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on points table topper’s Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday (October 24) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in the 42nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.
After their crushing defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum admitted that the loss would have hurt his team’s morale. Still, he wanted them to bounce back stronger. And, to keep their chances alive to qualify for playoffs, they need to beat Delhi Capitals, but it is not an easy task for KKR who are struggling from head to toe.
Here, let’s take a look at Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI against Delhi Capitals
Shubman Gill:
The IPL 2020 has, so far, not went in favour of Shubman Gill. At a poor strike rate of 111.82, he has scored 312 runs in 10 matches. He has most time lost his wicket in powerplays, leaving his team languishing. The youngster will have to deliver a powerful performance against DC to keep Kolkata Knight Riders alive in the race.
Rahul Tripathi:
After Rahul Tripathi starred against CSK, KKR would have thought they have plugged in the loopholes. However, the opening batsman has not stood up to expectations in the last couple of matches, losing his wickets early to put pressure on the middle-order. He will have to set up a strong partnership with Shubman Gill to beat the table topper.
Nitish Rana:
Being at no.3, Nitish Rana has the role in taking off pressure from the team, but the right-hand batsman has been irresponsible and lousy. In 10 matches, he has scored 184 runs at a strike rate of 133.33. However, Kolkata Knight Riders will back the youngster and will expect him to stay longer in the field.
Dinesh Karthik (wk):
Dinesh Karthik, former captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, also has a big responsibility on his shoulder to take the team to qualify for the finals. In the last shameful defeat against RCB, he scored only four runs off 14 balls. The wicketkeeper-batsman will look to play a big knock against Delhi Capitals.
Eoin Morgan:
Getting captaincy of KKR in the mid-season, Eoin Morgan has to find a way to take the sailing ship of his team to the port. Although he has given significant contribution with the bat, he will also want his players to step in and take responsibility.
Tom Banton:
As Andre Russell is injured, Tom Bonton has been given the role to be the power-hitter. Against RCB, although he lost his wicket early, he will look to grab runs against DC.
Pat Cummins:
The Australian speedster has created waves, quite surprisingly, not with the ball but with the bat. Being bought for hefty money in IPL 2020 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders had expected him to be the game-changer with his bowling, but Cummins has only picked up three wickets in ten matches.
Lockie Ferguson:
Lockie Ferguson is the late finding for KKR. He surprised with his outstanding spell in the super over against SunRisers Hyderabad. In the last match against RCB, he was the only one to give a breakthrough to the team. He will, undoubtedly, play against Delhi Capitals.
Kuldeep Yadav:
Kuldeep Yadav had missed out action for few weeks after being expensive in first few matches. But the spinner has played in the last two matches although hasn’t picked wickets. He will be in the XI against DC.
Prasidh Krishna:
Prasidh Krishna is the key component of Kolkata Knight Riders’ pace battery. He has featured in four matches and has picked up four wickets.
Shivam Mavi can also get the chance to play against DC.
Varun Chakravarthy:
The batsmen have taken on the mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy. Against RCB, Gurkeerat Mann Singh had hit him consecutive boundaries. Earlier, Prithvi Shaw had also beaten him in the first meeting with Delhi Capitals.
The spinner will have to bounce back stronger against DC in Abu Dhabi.